08 December 2023 , 09:46
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A 20-year-old woman who died in a car crash following a police pursuit in Greater Manchester was a "beautiful, loving and caring girl", said her family.
Xena Georgiou was driving a BMW which collided with a row of parked cars in Sale last Sunday night. The Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is carrying out an investigation into the tragedy, confirmed Xena died in hospital later.
In a statement via the IOPC, Xena's family paid tribute to the "joy and love" she brought to their lives. They said: "Our daughter Xena was a beautiful, loving and caring girl who has lost her life in tragic circumstances. This is heartbreaking for us all and there are no words to explain how we are feeling at this devastating time.
"We want to remember Xena for all the joy and love she brought to our lives; sadly taken away far too soon. We would kindly request our privacy is respected so, as a family, we can grieve for the loss of our gorgeous girl."
The scene of the incident in Sale last Sunday night (MEN Media)Stockport Coroners' Court confirmed it has received a report of Xena's death and an inquest is due to be opened and adjourned at a later date, reported the Manchester Evening News. Emergency services attended the scene on Marsland Road in Sale, at around 8.30pm after the BMW, which was being followed by officers at the time after failing to stop for police nearby, had ploughed into a number of parked cars at the side of the road.
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Two people who had become trapped inside the car were then cut from the wreckage by fire crews and rushed to hospital as a large cordon was put in place amid investigations. The incident was referred to GMP's Professional Standards Directorate and the IOPC. Xena died in hospital while an unnamed male passenger was said in the latest update to remain in a critical condition in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Xena Georgiou died later in hospital (MEN Media)An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following a referral from Greater Manchester Police we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal collision in Sale, Greater Manchester. We were notified by the force that a police vehicle had attempted to stop a BMW driver at 8.25pm last night (3 December) on Homelands Road. The BMW made off and collided with a parked car on Marsland Road after a short pursuit by officers.
"We have been informed that the BMW driver has since died in hospital and a passenger remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. Our investigation is in its very early stages.”
A GMP spokesperson said at the time: "At approximately 8:20pm this evening (Sunday 3 December 2023), officers in a police vehicle requested a vehicle to stop in Sale. The driver failed to stop and a short police pursuit commenced. A collision then occurred between the vehicle that failed to stop and a row of parked cars on Marsland Road, Sale. A scene has been put in place to assist with enquiries and road closures are in place.
"In-line with normal procedure, referrals have been made to GMP's Professional Standards Directorate and Independent Office for Police Conduct."